Online Dispute Resolution |
|
You may think of mediation as two parties sitting with a negotiator for several hours at a time in a conference room, hammering out details until an agreement is reached. Traditionally mediation does look something like that. Instead, imagine sitting at your computer, in the comfort of your home or office, when it is convenient to you, responding to queries posted by that the neutral mediator. Online Dispute Resolution, or ODR, takes advantage of technology and communication process available to skilled mediators to create an opportunity to people who are less likely to engage in face-to-face mediation for personal or logistical reasons. ODR can efficiently facilitate negotiations and increase communication for some clients. For corporate complaints, ODR addresses time and cost-constraints, as ODR may be better suited for clients whose concerns include loss of work-time and distant travel time to meetings. Some people may also find ODR less difficult emotionally when they have been engaged in an entrenched conflict, as there is not the need to square-off with the other party as in traditional mediation. ODR is conducted much like a traditional mediation except that it occurs on-line, through email, or can occur through videoconference. Clients have the opportunity to “caucus” with the mediator, or meet separately to discuss issues privately, and the mediator proposes unique strategies to work through difficult sticking points as they arise, using email as the forum for communication. While some people like the traditional face-to-face approach to mediation for working through conflict, others find that ODR provides an efficient alternative to meeting in person. Online Dispute Resolution is another useful conflict resolution tool that can facilitate a shared understanding and lasting resolution to conflict. |
